Back to 2012 Honda Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge.
They make great desktop images.

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA

– 2012 Honda NC700XA

2012 Honda NC700XA Review

Got somewhere to go? Don’t leave your bike at home. Hop on a Honda NC700XA, and rediscover the joys of motorcycling all over again.

It’s a jungle out there. City traffic, gravel backroads, construction zones, inclement weather… Is there a bike that can not only tackle all this, but actually make it fun? You bet there is: the all-new Honda NC700XA. What makes the NC700XA so practical for taming the jungle – including its huge storage area where the gas tank would be on most bikes – are also the things that make it such a joy to ride, on the street, highway, gravel road, you name it. The strong low-end and midrange torque from the 670 cc twin-cylinder engine allow you navigate through the city without having to constantly shift gears, and these same characteristics produce the strong acceleration that feels so satisfying when you’re pulling away from a stop sign or pulling out onto the highway. Even the sensible, upright riding position that gives you such a great view of the road and traffic ahead in the city, adds to the NC700XA’s pleasure by feeling so relaxed and comfortable on the open road.With its long-travel suspension, extra ground clearance, standard Combined Braking System with ABS, protective windshield, and optional Honda Genuine Accessories luggage, the NC700XA can also take you far from the city and into the real jungle – or at least into the out-of-the-way place.

The NC700X crossover offers the long-travel suspension, agility and commanding riding position of an off-road bike in an overall package with high standards of stability, braking and engine performance. It promises a fun, engaging riding experience together with the practicality and ease of use that make it a machine eminently suitable for daily commuting.

At the heart of the NC700X is a purpose-built engine and transmission package. The liquid-cooled, in-line 2-cylinder 670cc engine is a lightweight and compact unit with a low centre of gravity. It offers a very usable power delivery with strong levels of torque at low to medium rpm combined with low exhaust gas emissions and outstanding fuel economy (78.8mpg WMTC mode. Tested in D-Mode). On the NC700X there is the option to enjoy this new engine with the second generation of Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission, offering both manual gear shifting and fully automatic functionality – a suitably advanced and versatile core for an innovative new motorcycle.

The NC700X has been designed with a secure internal storage space large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, located where you would typically find the fuel tanks. It is also offered with Honda’s Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS) as an option. It offers the practicality of a commuter with easy handling in a crossover styling.

Available: Summer 2012

Honda’s new NC700X is a real breath of fresh air in today’s world of specialized motorcycles, a new concept in streetbikes, and one that puts the FUN in Functional. During the week it’s an awesome commuter. On the weekend it lets you go exploring in the country, or carve up a twisty canyon road. Light, nimble, and with an engine that offers a generous helping of useable torque, it’s all wrapped up in a package that’s big enough for longer rides, but not a handful in tight traffic or in a parking lot. And to sweeten the deal, it’s even available in two versions: one model features a conventional six-speed, manual-clutch transmission, while a second version is available with the latest generation of Honda’s exclusive automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Plus, the DCT version comes with Honda’s revolutionary Combined ABS!

 

 

2012 Honda NC700XA Key Features

Designed to be light and compact, extremely stingy on fuel, and to conserve resources during manufacturing, the all-new 670 cc, liquid-cooled, inline-twin engine used in the NC700XA incorporates numerous advanced and patented technologies..

The engine’s inline cylinders are canted forward by 62 degrees to help create a low overall centre of gravity for nimble, confidence-inspiring handling, and also to create room for a convenient central storage area where the cylinders and fuel tank would typically be..

To give the engine a satisfying and distinctive sound and feel, engineers thought way outside the box. A 270-degree crankshaft combined with a uniaxial primary counterbalance shaft creates a pulse much like that of a V-twin. The intake-port layout inside the cylinder head was carefully designed to create an intentional interference between adjacent ports, which results in subtle combustion variations. In addition, the timing for the opening and closing of the intake valves was set separately for each cylinder. The result? An engine that lets you know what it’s doing every time you twist the throttle..

To ensure strong acceleration, ease-of-use in the city, and a relaxed character on the highway, the engine delivers exceptionally strong low-rpm performance. The unique design creates a muscular, easy-to-use powerband not unlike that of a big-bore cruiser..

The six-speed manual transmission complements the powerband by using wide gear ratios – no need to be constantly shifting up and down to maintain strong performance..

Through the use of friction-reducing technologies, integrated components (such as running the oil pump using the counterbalance shaft and the water pump using the camshaft, which reduces the number of shafts required), precise PGM-FI electronic fuel-injection and efficient combustion, the NC700XA engine delivers exceptional fuel economy..

The engine’s efficient use of fuel enables the use of a smaller-volume, more-compact fuel tank that still allows ample riding range while giving engineers extra freedom to re-think the optimal placement of other components..

The exhaust catalytic converter sits directly beneath the exhaust ports and is activated early when the engine starts. This design lets the combustion gas pass through the catalyst while it is at its hottest, thereby maximizing purification efficiency. In fact, emissions are half of what is required by the strict Euro 3 emissions standard.

 

Chassis/Suspension

Although lightweight, the diamond-shaped steel-tube frame was carefully designed to be very sturdy while also allowing just enough flexibility to respond smoothly to changing road surfaces. This “tuned flexibility” produces a smooth ride while also letting you feel what the bike is doing. The result? Comfort when you’re just cruising, and a sporty, fun ride when you’re on your favourite twisty backroad..

Like the engine, the chassis is all about creating a ride that’s fun and user-friendly. The seating position is comfortably upright and relaxed, and the chassis geometry allows the NC700XA to nimbly manoeuvre through the city..

Honda’s Combined Braking System with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) provides added confidence during sudden stops or when the road is wet or slippery. Specially designed wave-style brake rotors not only keep unsprung weight low, they also require less energy and use less material during production because the rear rotor fits precisely inside the front rotor, allowing them to be stamped out of a single sheet of stainless steel at once.

 

Additional Features

The shape of the seat and its low height help to make it easy for you to extend your legs and reach the ground. And the handlebar position provides more room around your knees and arms for greater freedom of movement..

The 14.1-litre fuel tank is accessed beneath the seat at the rear of the bike, and the fuel is stored beneath the rider. The tail cowl has been cut short to bring the mass forward, and handy grips have been integrated into the tail section for passenger security..

Where the fuel tank would be on most bikes, the NC700XA instead has a large-capacity (21 litres), lockable utility compartment that’s big enough to hold an XL-size helmet. Don’t want to carry all your gear when you arrive at your destination? This handy compartment allows you to quickly stash your helmet, gloves and more out of sight. Need to hop down to the corner store for a few dinner supplies? The NC700XA makes it easy.

 

 

2012 Honda NC700XA Features and Benefits

New for 2012

Innovative two-cylinder engine
Developed to provide responsive power and strong torque in a compact package, the new 670cc inline two-cylinder engine also meets the demands of today’s environmental concerns by being highly fuel-efficient (78.8mpg) for a tank range of nearly 250 miles.

Versatility and practicality
With its internal storage compartment, protective fairing and windscreen and commanding riding position, the NC700X is ready for anything, whether city or long distance riding.

Joyous and intuitive handling
Light in weight, pure and swift in its handling responses, the NC700X is fun and easy to handle.
Using the same rigid and compact steel diamond frame as the NC700S, the NC700X uses its own unique suspension package to deliver a supremely adaptable chassis.

Crossover styling
The NC700X has a rugged adaptable styling suggestive of its limitless usability.

Optional Dual Clutch Transmission
The NC700X is available with either a conventional manual 6-speed transmission or the second generation of Honda’s Dual Clutch

Transmission. The system uses two hydraulic controlled clutches to deliver swift and very smooth gear changes in a choice of three modes. Manual (MT) allows the rider to shift gears using buttons, while automatic mode (AT) offers two settings: S for sporty riding and D for everyday use.

Secure C-ABS braking
Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is offered as standard on the NC700X.

 

Model details

Engine

Designed for purpose
Early in the development of the NC700X, new research yielded some key data regarding the typical engine use of a rider commuting on a mid-capacity machine. It was determined that 90% of riding involved speeds of 140km/h (87mph) or less and engine speeds of 6000rpm or less. The NC700X demanded a new engine ideally suited to this kind of usage, with strong torque characteristics across the rpm range typically used providing ease of use, thanks to its flexibility and outstanding fuel efficiency.

All-new twin-cylinder engine
The liquid-cooled SOHC 670cc twin-cylinder engine has been designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is smooth, clean, fuel efficient and compact, but it is also fun to use, with a strong low-rpm power delivery thanks to its relatively long-stroke SOHC architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers. Further enhancing this satisfying feeling of effortless torque is the crankshaft, which has been designed with high levels of inertial mass.

The NC700X will be produced with two different specifications of engine. One produces a peak power output of 38.1kW at 6,250rpm and 62Nm of torque at 4,750rpm; the other, specifically offered with the 2013 A2 European licensing regulations in mind, produces 35.0kW at 6,250rpm and 60Nm of torque at 4,750rpm.

Practical, efficient and reliable
The in-line two-cylinder configuration is both practical and efficient in terms of space layout, freeing up space within the body of the motorcycle. By reducing the number of parts to a minimum the engine is lighter, more efficient and more reliable. For example there is just one throttle body and one exhaust, despite the two cylinders. Where possible, components are made to do more than one job too. The camshaft also drives the water pump for the cooling system, while the balancer shaft, which ensures smooth, comfortable running, also drives the oil pump.

To further reduce fuel consumption, the engine was developed using stoichiometric analysis. By analysing combustion in this way, the engine has been developed to deliver exactly the fuel/air ratio required for a complete, clean burn at all idle engine rpm. An efficiency target of 76.2mpg per litre was accomplished thanks to these technology developments. Such low fuel consumption target is attractive given the sense of responsibility we all feel towards our environment. It also makes the NC700X more practical on a day-to-day basis, since a fuel-efficient vehicle is cheaper to run and requires fewer fuel stops over a given week of commuter travel.

Clean exhaust emissions
Thanks to the same stoichiometric analysis, used to reduce fuel consumption, the engine also burns extremely cleanly, minimising the emission of harmful exhaust gases. The PGM-FI fuel injection system supplies the optimum amount of fuel and is fully EURO-3 compliant thanks to an oxygen sensor in the exhaust. Finally the high-absorption catalyser has been located close to the engine. As a result the catalyst reaches operating temperature more quickly after a cold start, reducing harmful emissions over a typical journey.

Versatility and practicality

True versatility
The NC700X redefines the multi-role motorcycle by uniting a strong, fuel-efficient engine with a comfortable riding position and a versatile chassis. Ideally suited to commuting during the working week, the bike also inspires an adventurous spirit at the weekend.

A long tour, a leisurely ride into the countryside or a trip into the city with a passenger to meet friends – the NC700X is ready for anything.

Practicality and convenience
The NC700X features an internal storage space large enough to hold a full-face helmet, a waterproof suit or a bag. Together with the fuel filler cap, this space is accessed using a key to unlock and flip-up the seat. The fuel tank holds 14.1 litres – enough for an impressive range of nearly 400km (250 miles) between fill-ups. Since this range is due to engine efficiency, not a large fuel tank, it comes without the penalty of additional weight or bulk, and also ensures low running costs.

The NC700X features a protective windscreen to provide comfortable running even at highway speeds.

Commanding riding position
The NC700X has a relaxed and comfortable upright riding position with a higher viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception. Another advantage of this off-road inspired riding position is great low-speed control. Combined with the machine’s low centre of gravity and generous steering lock, the result is exceptional low-speed handling and agility. In busy traffic and on twisting roads the NC700X is a confidence-inspiring ally. Thanks to its carefully shaped fairing the machine is equally comfortable when cruising at speed. The windscreen and bodywork divert wind around the rider, minimising fatigue.

Advanced multi-function instrument display
The NC700X reassures the rider by communicating all the important running information at a glance. The clear and easy-to-read instrument display features a digital speedometer, digital bar-type tachometer, clock, bar-type fuel meter and two trip meters.

Joyous and Intuitive handling

Highly adaptable crossover chassis
Using the same rigid and compact steel diamond frame as the NC700S, the NC700X uses its own unique crossover wheel and suspension package to deliver a supremely adaptable chassis.

Steel diamond frame
A rugged steel diamond frame offers agile, responsive handling. This type of frame is ideal where space within the machine is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics.

Reassuring stability
Suspension travel on the NC700X is set to ensure smooth ride on ever changing surfaces. (153.5mm at the front and 150mm at the rear). Spring and damping rates – optimised for the suspension travel – ensure good control and feedback. The off-road inspired riding position and 35° of steering lock also help with reassuring stability, even loaded with hard luggage.

Cast aluminium wheels
Reflecting the machine’s multi-purpose remit, the NC700X combines lightweight 17″ cast aluminium wheels for excellent traction and control on all types of road surfaces. To absorb shocks the wheel spokes have been designed with a Y-shaped cross section, contributing to the ride quality. Tyre sizes are 120/70 at the front and a broad 160/60 at the rear.

Styling concept

Strong, inspiring styling
The NC700X is a multi-purpose machine designed to excel in a wide range of tough riding conditions. To inspire a sense of adventure, the machine has been designed with a rugged look; at home in a wealth of urban and out-of-city environments. The NC700X makes clear its willingness to take on any ride, however demanding.

Optional Dual Clutch Transmission

Optional second generation Dual Clutch Transmission
Honda’s Dual Clutch transmission takes ease of use to new heights in the NC700X, offering either manual shifts at the push of a button or fully automatic functionality – just twist and go. As the name implies, the system uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears; and another for 2nd, 4th and 6th. By pre-selecting the next gear using the clutch not currently in use, the system hydraulically controls each clutch as required, delivering swift, smooth and seamless gearshifts. This smoothness is particularly beneficial when carrying a passenger.

Three modes of operation are available for outstanding flexibility. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift gears with the handlebar controls. Two fully automatic shift modes are also available. D mode is ideal for city and highway riding. In sporty S mode the transmission lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, giving greater performance, and also shifts down sooner when decelerating, offering useful additional engine braking.

In either D or S mode the Dual Clutch Transmission also offers immediate manual intervention if required. The rider simply selects the required gear using the MT mode shift buttons, after which the system will continue to act as an automatic transmission. This is particularly useful when preparing to overtake or when approaching a tight corner on a twisty hill road. To ensure the optimum shifting schedule in D and S modes, extensive testing was conducted on all kinds of European roads.

Hassle-free maintenance
Designed to offer convenience and low running costs, the engine and transmission require the bare minimum of maintenance. The optional Dual Clutch Transmission uses heavy duty large-diameter clutches to comfortably deal with the rigours of daily use in stop/start city traffic. After purchase, a first service to check valve clearances is commonplace on commuter motorcycles but the engine requires no such attention. Service intervals are every 8,000 miles, and the engine’s highly efficient iridium sparkplugs only require replacement at 32,000 miles. The result is convenient and efficient personal transport with no hassle and low running costs.

Secure C-ABS braking

Secure C-ABS braking
Honda is committed to improving motorcycle safety and is proud to offer a Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) as standard on the NC700X. The system dramatically improves braking performance in an emergency situation. The front and rear braking systems on two-wheeled vehicles are usually independent. This means the rider must use just the right amount of front and rear brake, a skill that comes only with experience. C-ABS links the two systems and works to optimise the pressure acting on each brake. The result is strong and safe deceleration. Additionally, C-ABS has full antilock functionality. Should the system detect either wheel is about to lock up and skid, C-ABS momentarily reduces the hydraulic pressure being applied to the relevant brake, ensuring powerful and secure braking in all conditions.

 

Colours
The 2012 NC700X will be launched in four colours.

– Darkness Black Metallic
– Digital Silver Metallic
– Pearl Sunbeam White
– Magna Red

Optional equipment

Optional equipment
The versatility of the NC700X can be further enhanced with a range of genuine Honda accessories.

35L top box
45L top box on/off
29L pannier kit
Pannier kit decoration panel
Top box 35L inner bag
Top box 45L inner bag
Pannier inner bag set
High windscreen
Front side cowl panel
Leg deflector kit
Foot deflector kit
LED fog lamp Kit
Accessory pipe
Grip heater kit
12V DC socket kit
Main stand
Alarm
U-loc

---

 

2012 Honda NC700XA – American Specifications
USD MSRP Price – $6,999 USD

Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Displacement 670 cc
Bore & Stroke 73 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Horsepower: 51Hp@6250rpm
Torque: 44lb.ft@4750rpm
Valve Train Chain driven SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
Front Suspension 41mm telescopic fork; 120 mm (4.7 in.)travel
Rear Suspension Single shock, Pro-Link swingarm; 120 mm (4.7 in.) travel
Tires 120/70ZR – 17 radial front; 160/60ZR – 17 radial rear
Brakes Front 320 mm wave disc with triple-piston caliper; rear 240 mm wave disc with single-piston caliper. Combined Braking System with ABS
Ground Clearance n/a
Seat Height 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Wheelbase 1,525 mm (60 in.)
Curb Weight 215 kg (473 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride
Fuel Capacity 14.1 litres
Fuel Economy: 4.04L/100kms
Colour Seal Silver Metallic with Thunder Yellow
Warranty 1 year, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

 

---

 

2012 Honda NC700XA – Canada Specifications
Candian MSRP Price – TBA CDN

Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Displacement 670 cc
Bore & Stroke 73 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Horsepower: 51Hp@6250rpm
Torque: 44lb.ft@4750rpm
Valve Train Chain driven SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
Front Suspension 41mm telescopic fork; 153.5 mm (6 in.) travel
Rear Suspension Single shock, Pro-Link swingarm; 150 mm (5.9 in.) travel
Tires 120/70ZR – 17 radial front; 160/60ZR – 17 radial rear
Brakes Front 320 mm wave disc with triple-piston caliper; rear 240 mm wave disc with single-piston caliper. Combined Braking System with ABS
Ground Clearance n/a
Seat Height 830 mm (32.7 in.)
Wheelbase 1,540 mm (60.6 in.)
Curb Weight 218 kg (480 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride
Fuel Capacity 14.1 litres
Fuel Economy: 4.04L/100kms
Colour Darkness Black Metallic
Warranty 1 year, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

 

---

 

2012 Honda NC700XA – European Specifications
EU MSRP Price – TBA

Engine

Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve, SOHC parallel 2-cylinder
Displacement 670cm3
Bore x Stroke 73 x 80mm
Compression Ratio 10.7: 1
Max. Power Output 38.1kW/6,250min-1 (35kW/6,250min-1 – 95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 60Nm/4,750min-1 (95/1/EC)

Fuel System
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Throttle Bore 36mm
Aircleaner 5.8
Fuel Tank Capacity 14.1litres
Fuel Consumption 27.7km/l (35kW: MT 78.2mpg – DCT 78.8mpg / 38.1kW: MT 78.8mpg – DCT 78.8mpg / WMTC mode*** / Tested in D-Mode)

Electrical System
Ignition System Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Ignition Timing 12° BTDC (idle) ~ 20° BTDC (6,600min-1)
Sparkplug Type IFR6G-11K
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V/11AH
Headlight 12V, 55W x 1 (low)/60W x 1 (high)

Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multiplate (** Wet multiplate, hydraulic 2-clutch)
Clutch Operation Manual (** D mode/S mode/Manual mode)
Transmission Type 6-speed
Primary Reduction 1.731 (DCT 1.921)
Gear Ratios 1 2.812 (DCT 2.666)
2 1.894 (DCT 1.904)
3 1.454 (DCT 1.454)
4 1.200 (DCT 1.200)
5 1.033 (DCT 1.033)
6 0.837 (DCT 0.837)
Final Reduction 2.687 (DCT 2.437)
Final Drive Chain

Frame
Type Diamond; steel pipe

Chassis
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,210 x 830 x 1,285mm
Wheelbase 1,540mm
Caster Angle 27°
Trail 110mm
Turning Radius 3m
Seat Height 830mm
Ground Clearance 165mm
Kerb Weight 218kg, *228
Max. Carrying Capacity 209kg

Suspension
Type Front 41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm travel
Rear Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel

Wheels
Type Front Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Rear Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.5
Rear 17M/C x MT4.5
Tyre Size Front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 160/60-ZR17M/C (69W)
Tyre Pressure Front 250kPa
Rear 290kPa

Brakes
Type Front 320mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston (* 3-piston) caliper and sintered metal pads
Rear 240 single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and sintered metal pads

* ABS version

** Dual Clutch transmission version

*** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.